Apparatus for Supporting the Handover of a Telecommunication Session Between a Licensed Wireless System and an Unlicensed Wireless System

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a wireless communication handset comprising licensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry and unlicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry. The invention further discloses a control circuit connected to both the licensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry and the unlicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry, and a computer readable memory for directing the control circuit to function in a specified manner. This memory includes instructions to formulate a measurement report containing signal strength information that corresponds to the strength of a signal received through the unlicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry. The measurement report also contains a request to transfer a wireless communication session from a licensed wireless system to an unlicensed wireless system. The memory further includes instructions to transmit the measurement report to the licensed wireless system through the licensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry.

This application claims priority to provisional patent application60/324,157, which was filed on Sep. 20, 2001. This application alsoclaims priority to U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 10/116,311;10/116,023; 10/115,833; 10/115,767; 10/115,835; 10/116,186; and10/115,774, each of which was filed on Apr. 2, 2002

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to telecommunications. Moreparticularly, this invention relates to a technique for supporting thehandover of voice and data telecommunication services between licensedand unlicensed wireless systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Licensed wireless systems provide mobile wireless communications toindividuals using wireless transceivers. Licensed wireless systems referto public cellular telephone systems and/or Personal CommunicationServices (PCS) telephone systems. Wireless transceivers include cellulartelephones, PCS telephones, wireless-enabled personal digitalassistants, wireless modems, and the like.

Licensed wireless systems utilize wireless signal frequencies that arelicensed from governments. Large fees are paid for access to thesefrequencies. Expensive base station equipment is used to supportcommunications on licensed frequencies. Base stations are typicallyinstalled approximately a mile apart from one another. As a result, thequality of service (voice quality and speed of data transfer) inwireless systems is considerably inferior to the quality of serviceafforded by landline (wired) connections. Thus, the user of a licensedwireless system pays relatively high fees for relatively low qualityservice.

Landline (wired) connections are extensively deployed and generallyperform at a lower cost with higher quality voice and higher speed dataservices. The problem with landline connections is that they constrainthe mobility of a user. Traditionally, a physical connection to thelandline was required. Currently, unlicensed wireless communicationsystems are deployed to increase the mobility of an individual using alandline. The mobility range associated with such systems is typicallyon the order of 100 meters. A common unlicensed wireless communicationsystem includes a base station with a physical connection to a landline.The base station has a RF transceiver to facilitate communication with awireless handset that is operative within a modest distance of the basestation. Thus, this option provides higher quality services at a lowercost, but the services only extend a modest distance from the basestation.

Thus, there are significant shortcomings associated with currentlandline systems and licensed wireless systems. For this reason,individuals commonly have one telephone number for landlinecommunications and one telephone number for licensed wirelesscommunications. This leads to additional expense and inconvenience foran individual. It would be highly desirable if an individual couldutilize a single telephone number for both landline communications andlicensed wireless communications. Ideally, such a system would allow anindividual, through seamless handovers between the two systems, toexploit the benefits of each system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention discloses a wireless communication handset comprisinglicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry andunlicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry. Theinvention further discloses a control circuit connected to both thelicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry and theunlicensed wireless communication signal processing circuitry, and acomputer readable memory for directing the control circuit to functionin a specified manner. This memory includes instructions to formulate ameasurement report containing signal strength information thatcorresponds to the strength of a signal received through the unlicensedwireless communication signal processing circuitry. The measurementreport also contains a request to transfer a wireless communicationsession from a licensed wireless system to an unlicensed wirelesssystem. The memory further includes instructions to transmit themeasurement report to the licensed wireless system through the licensedwireless communication signal processing circuitry.

The invention further discloses a subscriber device comprising licensedwireless communication signal processing circuitry and unlicensedwireless communication signal processing circuitry. Also disclosed is acontrol circuit connected to both the licensed wireless communicationsignal processing circuitry and the unlicensed wireless communicationsignal processing circuitry, and a computer readable memory fordirecting the control circuit to function in a specified manner. Thismemory includes instructions to receive, through the unlicensed wirelesscommunication signal processing circuitry, frequency information from alicensed wireless system, where this frequency information identifies anunlicensed radio frequency. The memory also includes instructions tomonitor this unlicensed radio frequency for a signal from an unlicensedwireless system, and instructions to determine signal strengthinformation corresponding to the strength of the signal. Furtherincluded are instructions to transmit this signal strength informationthrough the licensed wireless communication signal processing circuitryto the licensed wireless system, so as to facilitate the linking of thecommunication session to the subscriber device through the unlicensedwireless system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is more fully appreciated in connection with the followingdetailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanyingdrawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an apparatus for integrating a licensed wirelesssystem and an unlicensed wireless system in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates a subscriber device configured in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a base station configured in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate various base station configurations utilized inaccordance with embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system server for integrating unlicensed andlicensed wireless communication systems in accordance with an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates a base station service region and associatedtransition points between licensed and unlicensed wireless communicationservices.

FIG. 7 illustrates a transition between an unlicensed wireless serviceand a licensed wireless service in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention.

FIG. 8 illustrates transitions between unlicensed wireless base stationsin accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 9 illustrates the forwarding of a licensed wireless call to a basestation in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates a prior art licensed wireless authenticationprocedure.

FIG. 11 illustrates an unlicensed wireless authentication procedureutilized in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates system components utilized in a provisioningoperation associated with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 13 illustrates provisioning operations performed in accordance withan embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 14 illustrates further details of licensed to unlicensed handoveroperations performed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 15 illustrates further details of unlicensed to licensed handoveroperations performed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 16 illustrates a portion of a measurement report arranged inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 17 illustrates further details of licensed to unlicensed handoveroperations performed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 illustrates further details of unlicensed to licensed handoveroperations performed in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 illustrates a system 10 that may be operated in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. The system 10 includes asubscriber device 12, which is a wireless transceiver, such as acellular telephone, a PCS telephone, a wireless data modem and the like.This subscriber device 12 is in wireless electronic communication with acellular network 14, which provides licensed wireless service in theform of voice or data services. When the device 12 is within anunlicensed wireless service coverage area 16, the licensed wirelessservice is substituted without interruption for an unlicensed wirelessservice that is facilitated through a base station 18.

The base station 18 wirelessly transmits telephone signals from astandard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 20 and, if necessary,a standard Private Branch exchange (PBX) 22, to a subscriber device 12.The base station 18 also assists in handing off telephone service to thedevice 12. Specifically, when a device 12 is within an unlicensedwireless service coverage area 16, the originating base station 18provides the device 12 with wireless telephone service in the form of atelecommunications channel originating from a PSTN 20 rather than acellular network 14. Since the PSTN 20 is used, the subscriber device 12receives high quality voice or data services at a relatively low cost.The telecommunications channel may also be provided over the Internetconnection 30 between the base station 18 and the indoor system server24. If the user of the subscriber device 12 roams outside of theunlicensed wireless service coverage area 16, the same communicationsession can be maintained without interruption by transitioning to thelicensed wireless service provided by the cellular network 14.Techniques for implementing seamless transitions of this type arediscussed in detail below.

A system server 24 facilitates seamless transitions between the licensedwireless service and the unlicensed wireless service. The system server24 is in electronic communication with the standard cellular network 14.In one embodiment of the invention as shown in FIG. 1, the system server24 is also in electronic communication with the base station 18 througha Local Area Network (LAN) 28 and a larger network 30, such as theInternet.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the cellular network 14 includes standardcomponents, such as a cellular core network 15, a mobile switchingcenter 26, visitor location register 32, a home location register 34, anauthentication center 38, and a base station controller 38. As discussedbelow, these standard components are utilized in a novel manner in orderto provide extended functionality for a subscriber device 12.

FIG. 2 illustrates a subscriber device 12. As previously indicated, thesubscriber device 12 may be a wireless telephone or a wireless modem. Inthe case of a wireless telephone, the subscriber device 12 includes adisplay 100, keypad 102, and processor 104. The processor 104 is alsoconnected to a memory module 106 and, via audio switch 108, to an audioinput/output circuit 109. Wireless signals in the unlicensed spectrumare received by an antenna 110 and are filtered by a filter 112 toimprove signal clarity and/or strength. The wireless signals are thenprocessed by unlicensed wireless circuitry 114. The unlicensed wirelesscircuitry operates as a standard transceiver. The circuitry 114 maysupport any number of unlicensed wireless standards. For example,currently in the U.S., unlicensed wireless signals may be sent at 900MHz or in the frequency range between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Unlicensedwireless communication may be implemented in accordance with theinvention utilizing any number of unlicensed spectrum communicationprotocols, including Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, andHyper-LAN. Advantageously, many licensed wireless subscriber devices arecurrently being configured to include unlicensed wireless circuitry forsuch applications as remote microphones and speakers. In accordance withthe invention, this circuitry is used for a new application, namely,communicating with a base station, as discussed below.

Selected signals, such as location data or signal strength data, aresent to the processor 104. Audio data is converted to an audio signal byaudio circuitry 116 and is sent to an audio switch 108 for broadcast byan audio input/output circuit 109. Audio signals transmitted to theaudio input/output circuit 109 are transmitted by audio switch 108 tothe processor 104, which is capable of sending audio and other data tounlicensed cellular transmitter circuitry 114. Unlicensed spectrumsignals are then sent through the filter 112 and on to the antenna 110,where they are broadcast to the base station 18.

In similar manner, wireless signals from a licensed cellular network 14are transmitted to the antenna 111, filtered by the filter 113, and arethen processed by the licensed cellular transmitter/receiver circuitry118. These signals are subsequently converted to an audio signal byaudio circuitry 120 or are processed by processor 104. As above, signalsoriginating from the device 12 can also be sent out, but here thedestination is a cellular network 14 rather than a base station 18. Inthe event of a data modem, the audio input/output circuit 109 is omittedand a data source is applied directly to the processor 104. Audiosignals transmitted from the audio input 109 are transmitted by audioswitch 108 to the processor 104, which is capable of sending audio andother data to licensed wireless transmitter and receiver circuitry 118.Wireless signals are then sent through the filter 113 to the antenna111, where they are broadcast to the licensed wireless network 14.

The subscriber device components discussed up to this point arestandard. The utilization of these devices is exploited in a novelmanner through a set of executable programs stored in memory 106. Theexecutable programs within memory 106 are shown by way of example. Thesame functionality may be realized through hardwired circuits,application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic devices,and the like.

The executable programs reside on top of standard licensed wirelesssystem call processing software. In addition, the programs reside on topof standard unlicensed wireless link protocol software (e.g., standardBluetooth or 802.11b software). The programs bridge these systems byexchanging messages between the separate software stacks.Advantageously, this approach allows a large portion of the existingsoftware protocols in the subscriber device to be reused without anychanges.

The memory module 106 contains a location tracking module 122 thatrecords the current location of the device 12 (i.e., whether the deviceis within an unlicensed coverage area 16). In addition, the module 106contains an authentication module to coordinate an authenticationprocedure for validating that the device 12 is licensed for use withinthe unlicensed coverage area 16. As discussed below, the inventionutilizes the authentication infrastructure associated with the licensedwireless system to authorize a subscriber device for unlicensed wirelesssystem services. The memory 106 also includes a handover module 126 tocoordinate seamless service exchanges between a base station 18 and acellular network 14. The operations associated with each of the modulesstored in memory 106 are discussed in further detail below.

FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment of a base station 18 in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention. When the subscriber device 12 iswithin the coverage area 16 of the base station 18, the base station 18can be used to provide the subscriber device 12 with landline data andvoice service, instead of lower-quality licensed wireless service, suchas from the cellular network 114. In one embodiment of the invention,the base station 18 is controlled by a processor 200, which is incommunication with the LAN 28 and therefore the system server 24 viarouter jack 202 and/or Ethernet jack 204. Signals from the system server24 travel through one of these jacks into network interface circuitry206 and on to the processor 200. This allows the base station 18 tocommunicate with the system server 24, which allows the server 24 todetermine whether and when to route phone service over the PSTN 20,Internet 30, or cellular network 14. Likewise, the processor 200 is alsoin communication with a landline (PSTN 20 and, in the typical businesscontext, PBX 22) via a phone line jack 208 and/or phone extension jack210. These jacks transmit information between the PSTN 20 and processor200 through Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) interface circuitry 212.Audio data is translated by audio circuitry 214, while other data can bedirectly exchanged with the processor 200.

The base station 18 communicates wirelessly with devices 12 using awireless communication circuit block 216. This circuit block 216includes standard circuitry to receive and transmit electronic voiceand/or data in an unlicensed wireless signal format. For example,currently in the U.S., unlicensed wireless signals may be sent in thefrequency range between 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz. Unlicensed wirelesscommunication may be implemented in accordance with the inventionutilizing any number of unlicensed spectrum communication protocols,including Bluetooth, IEEE 802.11a, IEEE 802.11b, and Hyper-LAN.

A typical circuit block 216 consists of transmission circuitry 218 fortransmitting signals to a device 12, receiving circuitry 220 forreceiving signals from the device 12, and baseband circuitry 222. Thebaseband circuitry 222 contains standard circuitry for downconvertingunlicensed wireless signals to baseband signals, which allows for theextraction of relevant information by the processor 200. The basebandcircuitry 222 also contains standard circuitry for upconverting basebanddata from the processor 200 to unlicensed wireless signals for broadcastby transmission circuitry 218.

The processor 200 is also connected to a memory module 224. The memorymodule 224 contains a provisioning module 226 that is used to facilitatethe initial configuration and servicing of the base station 18 andsubscriber device 12. The module 224 also includes a subscriber deviceidentification module 228. The subscriber device identification module228 instructs the processor 200 to periodically broadcast a signal. If asubscriber device 12 responds to the signal, then the base station 18knows that the subscriber device 12 is within the unlicensed coveragearea 16. The module 224 also contains an authentication module 230 tocoordinate the authentication of a subscriber device 12 that has enteredthe unlicensed coverage area 16. In one embodiment of the invention, thememory 224 includes an enhanced service module 232. The enhanced servicemodule may be used to provide improved services to a subscriber device.For example, if the user of a subscriber device is playing a low latencyon-line game, different screen displays can be cached in the basestation 18 and then be quickly downloaded to the subscriber device 12.Each of the modules stored in memory 224 can also be implemented ashardwired circuits, application specific integrated circuits,programmable logic devices, and the like.

In order to provide landline-quality service to subscriber devices 12, abase station 18 is installed directly in the path of a typical phonesystem. FIG. 4A illustrates a typical office or workplace, where atelephone 300 is connected to a PBX 22. The PBX 22 is installed betweenthe telephone 300 and PSTN 20 to provide a private telephone network inwhich a number of telephones 300 share a certain number of outside linesfrom the PSTN 20. FIG. 4A illustrates that a Personal Computer (PC) 302can be connected to the LAN 28 for communication with the Internet 30.

FIG. 4B illustrates the workplace environment of FIG. 4A modified toincorporate the base station 18 of the invention. The base station 18 isplaced in electronic communication with both the telephone 300 and theLAN 28. This configuration allows base station 18 to receive landlinevoice and data from a PSTN 20 and broadcast it to subscriber devices 12when they are within the coverage area 16. The base station 18 is alsoconnected to a LAN 28, which allows it to communicate with the systemserver 24 in order to coordinate handovers between the licensed wirelessand unlicensed wireless systems. Advantageously, the base station 18operates transparently with respect to the PBX 22, the LAN 28, thetelephone 300, and the PC 302.

FIG. 4C illustrates a typical home setting, which is usually similar tothe workplace setting of FIG. 4A minus the LAN 28 and PBX 22. Thetelephone 300 is ordinarily connected directly with a POTS 304, which issimply another term for PSTN 20. Connection to the Internet 30 isprovided by a modem 306 in communication with a PC 302. FIG. 4Dillustrates the placement of base station 18 within this typical homesetting. Here, the base station 18 is placed in electronic communicationwith both a telephone 300 and modem 306, allowing it to communicatedirectly with the POTS 304/PSTN 20 and system server 24. Once again, thebase station 18 operates transparently with respect to the modem 306,the POTS 304, the telephone 300, and the PC 302.

In both the workplace and home settings, the base station 18 is insimultaneous communication with both a telephone landline and a systemserver 24. When a subscriber device 12 roams inside the coverage area16, the base station 18 can thus provide landline-quality service todevice 12. The invention should thus be construed to include anapparatus and method for the seamless switching of telephone servicebetween a cellular network 14 and a landline-based base station 18 thatcan be used in either a residential or commercial setting.

As mentioned above, for purposes of this invention a landline can beinterchangeably referred to as a POTS 304 or PSTN 20. However, theinvention should not be construed as limited to simply the POTS or PSTNcontext. Rather, the invention discloses a base station 18 that canprovide landline-quality service to a device 12 using any landlinenetwork. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, DSL,cable or cable modem networks.

FIG. 5 illustrates a system server 24, which manages the mobility ofsubscriber devices 12 between a landline-based unlicensed wirelessservice from a base station 18 and a licensed wireless service, such asfrom a cellular network 14. A typical system server 24 is controlled bya central processing unit (CPU) 400, which is connected to a bus 401.Network interface cards 402 (e.g., Ethernet cards) for communicatingwith the Internet 30 and PSTN 20 are also connected to the bus 401.Licensed network interface cards 404 (e.g., SS7 cards) for communicatingwith cellular networks 14 are also connected to the bus 401. This allowsthe system server 24 to use Internet Protocol (IP) and/or SS7 protocoland/or MAP & IS-41 protocols to connect to the Internet, to the PSTN 20,and to cellular core networks.

The system server 24 also contains a memory module 406 that stores anumber of programs, databases and other assorted modules. Morespecifically, the module 406 contains signaling control programs 408.The signaling control programs 408 are standard programs forestablishing communications with the licensed wireless network.Therefore, for example, the signaling control programs 408 may include aTransaction Capability Application Part (TCAP) module, an ISDN User Part(ISUP) module, a Signaling Connection Control Part (SCCP) module, aMessage Transfer Part (MTP) module, a GSM Mobile Application Part (MAP)module, a GSM Base Station Subsystem Application Part (BSSAP), a CodeDivision Multiple Access (CDMA) Development Group InteroperabilitySpecification (CDG-IOS) module, and an Interim Standard (IS41) module tosupport Time Division Multiple Access (TDMA) and Code Division MultipleAccess (CDMA). Memory 46 may also store datapath control programs 410.By way of example, the datapath control programs may include standardprograms to facilitate computer network data transfers. By way ofexample, the datapath control programs may include an Internet Protocol(TP) module, a GSM Base Station Subsystem General Packet Radio Service(GPRS) Part (BSSGP), and a GPRS Tunneling Protocol (GTP) module.

The memory 406 also stores various system server application programs412. These application programs include system bridge programs 414 forhandling transitions in service from licensed to unlicensed wirelessservices and vice versa. The memory 406 also stores a location database416 for storing the current location of devices 12 and indicatingwhether they are within the coverage area 16. Also included is a billingmodule 418 for recording usage statistics for billing purposes. Thebilling module 418 distinguishes between charges for licensed wirelessservices and unlicensed wireless services. A provisioning module 420 isincluded to facilitate the installation of new base stations. Anauthentication module 422 is used to facilitate the authentication of asubscriber device within an unlicensed wireless service area. Asdiscussed below, the authentication module 422 includes data andexecutable instructions to emulate certain components of a licensedwireless network. For example, in one embodiment of the invention, theauthentication module emulates a mobile switching center during theauthentication process.

The major components of the invention—the subscriber device 12, the basestation 18, and the system server 24—have now been described. Theoperations of these devices are more fully appreciated with thefollowing discussion.

The invention's provisioning of seamless transitions between licensedand unlicensed wireless services is more fully appreciated in connectionwith FIG. 6. Base station 18 broadcasts within a set of boundaries B1,B2, B3 and B4. A subscriber device 12 located outside these boundariesis serviced by a licensed wireless system, such as a standard cellularnetwork 14. However, once the device 12 crosses boundary B3, thehandover from the licensed wireless service to the unlicensed wirelessservice begins. That is, at the B3 boundary the base station 18 is ableto recognize the presence of the subscriber device 12. As previouslyindicated, the base station 18 includes a subscriber deviceidentification module 228 that coordinates the transmission of a servicerange signal that is identified by a subscriber device 12. That is, thelocation tracking module 122 of the subscriber device 12 is used tocoordinate the identification of a base station signal. In the presenceof such a signal, the location tracking module 122 coordinates thetransmittal of an acknowledgment signal to the base station 18.

In one embodiment, the location tracking module 122 is implemented toperiodically wake the unlicensed wireless circuitry 114 to sniff andthereby determine whether it is within the range of a base station. Ifso, the subscriber device registers with the base station, if not, theunlicensed wireless circuitry 114 is activated at a later time.

Under the control of the subscriber device identification module 228,the base station 18 identifies the acknowledgement signal and transmitsa subscriber device present signal to the router jack 202, the Ethernetjack 204, the phone line jack 208, or the phone extension jack 210. Thesubscriber device present signal is subsequently directed through anetwork (e.g., the LAN 28 and Internet 30) to the system server 24,which notes that the subscriber device 12 is now within the service areaof the base station 18. In particular, the system server 24 logs thisinformation in the location database 416.

Once the system server 24 logs the fact that the subscriber device 12 iswithin the service range of the base station 18, it contacts thecellular network 14 to initiate a call to the landline associated withthe base station 18. It is known in the art to utilize a cellularnetwork 14 to establish a call to a landline number. For example, FIG. 1illustrates a link between the mobile switch center 26 and the PSTN 22.In the prior art, this feature is used to direct a call intended for amobile device to a landline telephone when the user of the mobile devicehas advised the cellular system that the landline telephone can be usedto receive calls. Observe in this situation that the transition from thecellular network to the landline telephone is established prior to thecall being placed. This prior art scenario stands in sharp contrast tothe present invention where during the course of an already establishedcommunication session control is transferred from a licensed wirelessservice to an unlicensed wireless service or vice versa. This aspect ofthe invention is more fully appreciated in connection with the followingdiscussion.

As previously indicated, when the subscriber device 12 crosses theboundary B3, a landline call to the base station 18 is initiated byopening a telecommunications channel through a standard landline systemsuch as the PSTN 20. Once the landline call is received at the basestation 18, the base station 18 begins transmitting to the subscriberdevice 12 using the unlicensed wireless spectrum. These transmissionsare processed by the unlicensed wireless circuitry 114 of the subscriberdevice 12 (See FIG. 2). At this point, the licensed wireless circuitry118 is also active and the audio switch 108 is responsive to thelicensed wireless circuitry 118. Thus, the subscriber device 12 isprocessing both licensed wireless signals and unlicensed wirelesssignals at this point.

The location tracking module 122 continues to monitor the signalstrength from the base station 18. When the signal strength reaches athreshold corresponding to the crossing of boundary B4, the handovermodule 126 may be used to generate a handover signal that is applied tothe audio switch 108. The handover signal causes the audio switch 108 toprocess information from the audio circuitry 116 associated with theunlicensed wireless circuitry 114. At this point, the licensed wirelesscircuitry 118 can be turned off. The ability to turn this circuitry offis a significant advantage because it preserves battery life. Typically,the licensed wireless circuitry remains active in order to providelocation information to the licensed wireless system infrastructure.

The spacing between boundaries B3 and B4 allows time for theestablishment of simultaneous telecommunications channels between thesubscriber device 12 and both the licensed network and unlicensednetwork. This allows for the immediate switching of service to theunlicensed network once the subscriber device 12 crosses boundary B4,thus creating a seamless transition to base station service that istransparent to the user.

Once the device 12 is within boundary B4, service is originated withinthe PSTN 20 and broadcast wirelessly to the device 12 by the basestation 18. If the device 12 travels away from this base station 18,service is handed off from the base station 18 to a licensed wirelessnetwork 14 in a manner similar to the process described above.Specifically, once the device 12 crosses boundary B2, a simultaneouslink is established with a licensed wireless network (e.g., cellularnetwork 14). When the device 12 further crosses boundary B1, a seamlesshandover is made from the unlicensed wireless service originating overthe PSTN 20 to the licensed wireless network (e.g., cellular network14). At this point, the subscriber device 12 receives wireless servicesfrom the cellular network 14 in a standard manner.

FIG. 7 provides a more detailed characterization of the handover processfrom unlicensed wireless to licensed wireless service. When thesubscriber device 12 is within the service area 16 of the base station18, the subscriber device 12 transmits to the base station 18information on the signal strengths of the frequencies of the nearbylicensed wireless base stations. The base station 18 forwards thisinformation to the system server 24, which in turn sends the informationto the visitor location register 32. This operation is shown with arrow450 in FIG. 7.

In response to this message, the licensed wireless system provides theparameters that are needed when the subscriber device 12 needs ahandover from the unlicensed wireless system to the licensed wirelesssystem. This information includes the identity of the base station towhich the handover should be made. By way of example, in a GSM cellularsystem, these parameters are CI (Cell Identity) and LAC (Location AreaCode). This handover information may be obtained and stored in the basestation 18 before a call is made or when a call is made. In any event,the handover information can be secured well before the subscriberdevice 12 roams outside the coverage area of the base station 18. Theinformation may be delivered to the base station 18 via a landlinetelecommunications channel as shown with line 452. Alternately, theinformation may be delivered through a telecommunications channelbetween the system server 24 and the mobile switch center 26 and thenthe system server 24 and the base station 18, as shown with arrows 456and 457.

As shown with arrow 453 in FIG. 7, the subscriber device 12 continuouslytransmits power measurements to the base station 18. When the powermeasurements begin to grow weak, the base station may notify the systemserver 24 of a hand over candidate. In turn, the system server 24 mayadvise the mobile switching center 26 of the hand over candidate, asshown with arrows 454 and 455.

When the power measurements become sufficiently weak, indicating thatthe subscriber device 12 is moving away from the base station 18 (e.g.,crossing boundary B2) a formal hand over request is initiated. Inparticular, the base station 18 transmits to the system server 24 thebase station identity (e.g., CI, LAC, etc.) to which the handover shouldbe transferred, as shown with arrow 458. The system server 24 contactsthe mobile switching center 26 to initiate a handover, as shown witharrow 460. The mobile switching center 26 contacts the base stationcontroller 38, as shown with arrow 462. In response, the base stationcontroller 38 generates a channel number, a slot number and a handoverreference. As shown with arrow 464, this information is passed to thebase station transceiver 500. The information is also passed back to thesubscriber device 12 through the mobile switching center 26, the systemserver 24, and the base station 18, as shown with arrows 466, 468, 470,and 472.

In response to this information, the base station transceiver 500 turnson a transmitter and receiver at the specified channel number and slotnumber. Similarly, the subscriber device 12 turns on its transceivercircuitry 118. The base station transceiver 500 seeks a response fromthe subscriber device with a matching reference number, as shown witharrow 474. Once the subscriber device 12 receives the base stationtransceiver transmission, it sends a message to the base stationtransceiver 500 with the handover reference, as shown with arrow 476. Atthis point a new licensed wireless link, or telecommunications channel,is established on the given channel and slot number, as shown with arrow478. Once the licensed wireless link is established, the unlicensedwireless link is turned off, as shown with line 480 in FIG. 7.Thereafter, the base station transceiver 500, the base stationcontroller 38, and the mobile switching center 26 operate in a standardmanner to supply licensed wireless services to the subscriber device 12.The foregoing operations may be implemented using the handover module126 of the subscriber device 12, the subscriber device interface module228 of the base station 18, and the system bridge programs 414 of thesystem server 24.

A handover from a licensed wireless service to an unlicensed wirelessservice occurs in a similar but reverse fashion. When the subscriberdevices 12 cross boundary B3 from a remote location, the handoverprocess to the base station 18 is initiated. The subscriber device 12detects boundary B3 as a requisite strength of signal transmitted fromthe base station 18. It then transmits a signal to the base station 18indicating its presence, and the station 18 sends a handover request tothe system server 24, which conveys the request to the mobile switchingcenter 26. The mobile switching center 26 then secures the applicablelandline number from the home location register 34.

The correct landline number is already stored in the home locationregister 34 according to a process discussed below. The home locationregister 34 transmits this number back to the mobile switching center26, which activates the corresponding landline over the PSTN 20. Betweenboundaries B3 and B4, both the licensed wireless (e.g., cellular) linkand unlicensed wireless (e.g., landline originated) link aresimultaneously active. After a period in which both links aresimultaneously active, control of the communication session is switchedfrom the licensed wireless circuitry 118 to the unlicensed wirelesscircuitry 114. As above, the maintenance of simultaneous licensed andunlicensed wireless links for a period of time ensures a successfulseamless handover. This reduces the number of dropped calls, and allowsfor successful handovers even when the signaling messages amongdifferent elements of the cellular and landline-based systems experiencedelays or latency.

The previous discussion explains the handover process in broad terms. Afurther embodiment of the invention, describing a concept of thehandover process in more detail, is offered below in connection withFIG. 14. In addition, while the foregoing discussion was directed towardhandovers between licensed wireless services and unlicensed wirelessservices. The invention also includes a technique for seamless handoversbetween unlicensed wireless service base stations. Such a techniquewould be valuable, for example, in the case where an office building hasa large number of base stations 18 to supply unlicensed wirelessservices to a user that would otherwise receive poor quality licensedwireless service within the office building.

Thus, the invention includes a system wherein a plurality of basestations 18 exist with overlapping coverage areas 16. This allows asubscriber device 12 to roam freely among the coverage areas 16.

FIG. 8 illustrates such a system. Base stations 18-1 and 18-2communicate with each other using LAN 28. The base stations 18-1 and18-2 are shown installed in a typical workplace setting, with telephones300 and PCs 302 connected to a LAN 28 and PBX 22 in standard fashion.Note that the coverage areas 604 and 606 of the base stations 18-1 and18-2 overlap. As a device 12 moves from one area 604 to another area606, voice and data signals from the first base station 18-1 areseamlessly handed off to the second base station 18-2.

Periodically, the base stations 18-1 and 18-2 broadcast a message overthe LAN 28 to all other base stations connected to the LAN 28. Thismessage includes a time stamp, a signal indicating the particular basestation, the subscriber number, and a range number indicating thedistance between that base station and the device 12. A separate messageis broadcast for each base station on the LAN 28. A range number can becalculated by relying upon the ability of the subscriber device 12 tomeasure the signal strengths emitted from a base station or vice versa.

Signal strengths and/or range numbers can be used to determine when ahandover should be initiated. For instance, at positions T1 and T2, thedevice 12 would remain serviced by the first base station 18-1. However,when the device 12 moves to position T3, the message it broadcasts,which includes the components above, indicates that the base station18-2 now transmits a stronger signal and is thus closer. The second basestation 18-2 receives this message via LAN 28 and, from the rangenumber, determines that it is the closest base station to the device 12.The handover process from base station 18-1 to base station 18-2 is theninitiated. The second base station 18-2 transmits a signal over LAN 28to the first base station 18-1 requesting a handover and sendinginformation, such as the range numbers calculated from the device 12 toeach base station 18-1 and 18-2, verifying that a handover should indeedbe made.

Once the first base station 18-1 acknowledges this request, it forwardsthe call to the second base station 18-2 and service is continuedwithout disruption. In a system that includes a PBX 22, it is oftenpossible for the first base station 18-1 to simply request PBX 22 toswitch service to a different base station. However, in a system withouta PBX 22, the first base station 18-1 may have to switch service at PSTN20.

The discussion up to this point has been directed toward seamlesstransitions between licensed and unlicensed wireless services. Attentionnow turns to other aspects of the invention. Another aspect of theinvention is a technique for assigning a base station to a landlinetelephone number. Another aspect of the invention is a technique forauthenticating a user for unlicensed wireless services. Advantageously,authentication is implemented through reliance upon existingauthentication infrastructure associated with the licensed wirelessnetwork. Thus, a separate authentication scheme need not be implemented.Another aspect of the invention that is discussed below is theprovisioning of a base station into the overall licensed wirelessnetwork. As discussed below, the provisioning operation is automaticallyperformed and therefore does not require technical sophistication orexpertise on behalf of the user.

FIG. 9 illustrates a technique for assigning a landline number to a basestation 18. Upon installation and power-up, the base station 18 queriesthe subscriber device 12 for the local landline phone number to whichthe base station is connected. In some embodiments, the base station 12will also solicit the Internet Protocol (IP) address for the basestation 18. After the user enters the phone number and/or IP addressinto the subscriber device 12, the information is transmitted to thebase station 18, as shown with arrow 610 of FIG. 9. The base station 18forwards the same information to the system server 24, as shown witharrow 612. The system server 24 then transmits this information forstorage in the home location register 34, as shown with arrow 614. Oncestored in the home location register 34, the mobile switching center 26can access the number as a mobile system roaming number (MSRN), as shownwith arrows 616 and 618. Thereafter, the mobile system roaming numbercan be used in a conventional manner to route a call to the base station18.

Another aspect of the invention is authentication. As previouslyindicated, the invention utilizes the authentication infrastructureassociated with the licensed wireless network to authenticate users forthe unlicensed wireless network.

FIG. 10 illustrates a licensed wireless system authentication processutilized in accordance with the prior art. In this example, thesubscriber device 12 moves from the coverage area served by its homemobile switching center (referred to as MSC-A) to the coverage areaserved by MSC-B. As soon as the subscriber device 12 enters a cell thatis served by MSC-B, it registers with the system by sending anauthentication request and a location update to base station subsystem(BSS) 600, as shown with arrow 650. The location update request includesan international mobile subscriber identity (IMSI).

BSS 600 forwards this information to the visitor location register 32associated with MSC-B, as shown with arrow 652. The visitor locationregister of MSC-B in turn sends a message to the visitor locationregister and home location register of the SMC-A, as shown with arrows654 and 656. This information serves as a request for authentication ofthe subscriber device 12 as well as to inform the home location register34 of the current location of the subscriber device 12 as served by theMSC-B. In certain alternate embodiments, location information caninstead be provided in a separate message to the home location register34. The authentication is performed as follows.

The authentication center (AuC) 36 generates a parameter called SRES(signed response). In order to generate the SRES, it uses anauthentication algorithm A3, such as a public key/private key algorithm.The algorithm A3 processes a secret key Ki, a random number RAND, andthe IMSI to produce the SRES. The IMSI, RAND, and SRES are passed to theMSC-A (arrow 658) and MSC-B (arrow 660). The SRES is temporarily storedat the MSC-B until the authentication operation is completed. The MSC-Bpasses the IMSI and the RAND to the BSS, which passes the information tothe subscriber device 12. Based upon the IMSI and the RAND that itreceives, along with the secret key Ki that it stores, the subscriberdevice 12 executes the same authentication algorithm A3 to produce aSRES. If the subscriber device is legitimate, it has the same secret keyKi encoded in it as the one in the AuC 36. The service provider encodesthis key at the time of activating the subscriber. This key is knownonly to the subscriber device and to the AuC 36.

The SRES generated by the subscriber device 12 is passed with the IMSIto the BSS-B (arrow 666), which passes it to the MSC-B (arrow 668). TheMSC-B compares the SRES generated by the subscriber device 12 to theSRES generated by the AuC 36. Authentication is only successful if thetwo numbers match.

The above process assists in understanding the authentication processincluded in the present invention, as the new method is designed toutilize the existing authentication process already existent in thelicensed wireless system. FIG. 11 illustrates an authentication processin accordance with the present invention. In accordance with theinvention, the base station 18 is designed to emulate a BSS 600, and thesystem server 24 is designed to emulate a mobile switching center 26.

When the subscriber device 12 enters the service area of the basestation 18, it registers with the base station. The authenticationmodule 124 of the subscriber device 12 subsequently intercepts theregistration message that is typically sent to the licensed wirelessbase station (e.g., BSS 600). This information is sent to the basestation 18, as shown with arrow 680. The base station 18, at thedirection of the authentication module 230, routes the information tothe system server 24. Thus, the base station 18 emulates the operationof a BSS. As shown with arrow 684, the system server 24 forwards theinformation to the MSC-A. The authentication module 422 of the systemserver 24 may be used for this purpose. In this capacity, theauthentication module 44 assists the system server 24 in its operationof emulating a visitor location register. The operations at arrows 656,658, and 660 are identical to the operations performed in the prior artsystem of FIG. 10.

At this point, the system server 24 stores the SRES, instead of a mobileswitching center. The system server 24 forwards the IMSI and RANDinformation to the base station 18, as shown with arrow 686. The basestation 18, emulating a BSS, passes this information to the subscriberdevice 12. The authentication operation performed at the subscriberdevice is conventional, with the subscriber device returning an IMSI anda SRES to the base station 18, as shown with arrow 690. The base station18 passes this information to the system server 24, as shown with arrow692. The system server 24 then checks for an SRES match. Recall thatthis operation was performed by the mobile switching center 26 in theprior art system of FIG. 10. In the event of a match between thecomputed SRES values, authentication exists and unlicensed wirelessservices may be delivered to the subscriber device 12 through the basestation 18.

Yet another aspect of the invention involves provisioning of a basestation in order to facilitate the licensed-to-unlicensed wirelesscommunications achieved in accordance with the invention. By way ofoverview, the provisioning operation of the invention entails the basestation 18 automatically configuring itself. In one embodiment,provisioning is accomplished by initially accessing a provisioningserver. Subsequently, the base station registers with the system server.In the event that Internet access is available to the base station, thebase station uses the Internet to access the provisioning server and thesystem server. If Internet access is not available, a Short MessageService Center may be used during the provisioning operation.

FIG. 12 illustrates equipment utilized during the provisioningoperation. In particular, the figure illustrates a subscriber device 12and a base station 18. In one embodiment, the base station 18 uses theInternet 30 to access a provisioning server 700. For example, the basestation 18 may access the Internet through a broadband modem, such asDSL. The provisioning server 700 supplies a service profile to thesystem server 700, as discussed more fully below. In another embodimentof the invention, the base station 18 is provisioned through a wirelessconnection. In particular, a wireless link is established using a ShortMessaging Service or packet data services supported by the cellularsystem. For example, a wireless link may be established between the basestation 18 and a Short Message Service Center (SMSC) 702. The wirelesslink to the SMSC may be via a Short Message Service (SMS) over cellularair interface. The SMSC is linked to a BSS 600, which is linked to amobile switching center 26, which is linked to the cellular core network15. The cellular core network 15 accesses the provisioning server 700via the PSTN 20. Information from the provisioning server is deliveredto the system server 24 and the base station through a reverse pathincluding, the PSTN 20, the cellular core network 15, the mobileswitching center 26, the BSS 600, the SMSC 702, and the Internet 30.

FIG. 13 illustrates the process steps involved when the system of FIG.12 carries out the provisioning process. The process is typicallyinitiated upon installation and activation of a new base station 18, andwill be discussed in that context, but those of skill in the art willsee that it can be performed any time that provisioning information mustbe updated.

When a base station 18 is initially powered up it contacts theprovisioning server 700 (step 800). In one embodiment, contact is madethrough the Internet 30 using one or more preprogrammed IP addresses forthe provisioning server. Alternately, the provisioning server may beaccessed through the SMSC, as discussed above. The base station 18 thenidentifies itself to the provisioning server 700, for example, using acode preprogrammed at the time of manufacture. If the provisioningserver 700 does not recognize the base station, the base stationpreferably provides an error indication. If the provisioning server 700recognizes the base station, that processing proceeds to block 806

At this point, the base station broadcasts a signal to the subscriberdevice 12 instructing it to define itself (block 806). For example, thesubscriber device 12 may define itself by sending to the base station 18an electronic serial number or a portion of an electronic serial number.This defining information is used to establish an association betweenthe base station 18 and the subscriber device 12. This local associationis mapped with a local authentication procedure. Thereafter, wheneverthe subscriber device and the base station come into contact, theyidentify each other by passing the local authentication procedure. Thetwo devices can only communicate if the local authentication procedureis successful.

The provisioning module 127 of the subscriber device 12 prompts the userto enter the landline telephone number associated with the base station18 (block 808). This information is then passed to the base station 18.The base station then delivers information to the provisioning server(block 810). For example, the base station will typically deliver thelandline telephone number and a base station identification number tothe provisioning server. The provisioning server then downloads aservice profile to the base station and the system server (block 812).The service profile can include the landline telephone number and callerservices, such as call waiting, caller identification, and the like. Theservice profile may also include an IP address for the base station. Theservice profile also includes the IP address of a system server 24assigned to the base station 18. Typically, the system server 24 isselected based upon proximity to the base station, as derived from thearea code associated with the landline telephone number.

Observe that the provisioning server operates as a central registrationpoint for all devices within the system. This central point makes iteasier to modify system wide services. In addition, the provisioningserver provides the benefit that a single address is programmed intoeach base station.

The base station takes the IP address of the system server from theservice profile and contacts the system server (block 814). If theservice profiles match, an association is established between the systemserver, the base station, and the subscriber device. The system serversubsequently updates the home location register of the subscriber devicewith contents of the service profile (block 816). At this point, theauthentication process of FIG. 11 would typically be performed. Thisprovisioning process can be repeated whenever a new device 12 or basestation 18 is introduced into the system.

Another aspect of the invention allows licensed wireless service usersto seamlessly change between a desktop phone and a subscriber device 12during a call, thus allowing them to use the most comfortable device ata given time. Thus, when a subscriber device 12 is located within acoverage area 16, a user can simply pick up the desktop phone andcontinue their conversation. The subscriber device 12 can then bedisconnected without any interruption in service. In this embodiment,the desktop phone and the base station are connected to the samelandline, thereby providing this interchangeability. Likewise, when acaller is using a desktop phone within an area 16, he or she canactivate a subscriber device 12 and continue a call from there. In thisinstance, a button on the subscriber device is used to initiatecommunication with the base station that is connected to same landline.Subsequently hanging up the desktop phone will not interrupt service.

Attention now turns to an alternate embodiment of the inventionillustrating a variation of the handover process described above. Thisembodiment is more fully appreciated in connection with a specificexample in the context of the Global System for Mobile communications(GSM). The GSM standard divides a particular transmission channel intodiscrete time intervals called data frames, which are furtherpartitioned into time slots. Various time slots are specified ascontaining control information or user data in specified formats.Specifically, certain time slots are designated as comprising a SlowAssociated Control Channel (SACCH), which various cellular hardware isprogrammed to recognize as containing, among other things, measurementreport information indicating the strengths of signals received fromvarious licensed cells.

One embodiment of the invention discloses the use of a previously sparebit within the SACCH to facilitate a handover procedure. This allows theinvention to carry out the handover process without requiring changes toany GSM-formatted signals, as described below. The specifics of thisprocess are discussed below in relation to FIGS. 14-16. It should benoted, though, that the invention is not limited to handovers in theGSM, or even the digital cellular, context. Rather, one of skill in theart can see that the invention discloses a method for carrying outhandovers of telecommunications sessions supported by any protocol,while maintaining the format of such a protocol. The invention onlyrequires that information triggering such a handover be able to beembedded and recognized within messages sent according to the selectedprotocol.

FIG. 14 illustrates the sequence of signals utilized by one aspect ofthe invention to support a handover from a licensed system to anunlicensed system in the GSM context. When a subscriber device 12 isengaged in a telecommunications session through a licensed wirelesssystem such as a GSM cellular network it is, in normal operation, inconstant communication with this network. In this example, the networkis represented as a base station subsystem 600. During a typicaltelecommunications session, the base station subsystem 600 transmits alist of frequencies to the subscriber device 12 over the SACCH, as shownwith arrow 900. This list denotes frequencies used by the base station18, and thus also represents frequencies the subscriber device 12 shouldscan to determine the possibility of a handover.

In typical cellular networks, a base station subsystem 600 transmitssuch a list to inform the subscriber device 12 of frequencies at whichother regional base station subsystems 600 operate, so as to facilitatehandovers between licensed subsystems. In the context of the presentinvention though, this list additionally includes frequencies at whichbase stations 18 operate, thus also informing the subscriber device 12of various unlicensed systems in the area. In operation, base stations18 provision local base station subsystems 600 with their particularfrequency or frequencies. This provisioning is carried out per normalcellular procedures. In this manner, the invention instructs a basestation subsystem 600, and thus a subscriber device 12, of the basestations 18 within its region.

This ability to inform subscriber devices 12 of many different basestations 18 yields several distinct advantages. For example, appropriateplacement of base stations 18 can extend an unlicensed network's reachinto locations such as large buildings or underground structures thatlicensed network signals are unable to penetrate. To that end, theinvention includes an unlicensed network comprising a base station 18 onevery floor of a large building or underground garage, thus allowing asubscriber device 12 to function even in elevators or deep underground.

Once the subscriber device 12 wanders into an area covered by a basestation 18, its unlicensed wireless circuitry 114 picks up the basestation's signal on the frequency it was told to scan (arrow 902). Thistells the subscriber device 12 that a base station 18 exists forhandover. The subscriber device 12 then identifies itself to the basestation 18. Identification and authorization may be performed inaccordance with the techniques described in connection with FIG. 11.

After receiving the above information, the base station 18 requests alandline connection by sending a U-HandoverRequired message to itssystem server 24 via their existing IP connection (arrow 904). TheU-HandoverRequired message contains information required for the systemserver 24 to initiate a landline call to the base station 18, includingthe IMSI of the subscriber device 12, the PSTN phone number of the basestation 18, and the Cell Global Identification (CGI) of the GSM cellcurrently supporting the licensed call.

The system server 24 then establishes a landline telecommunicationschannel, typically via the PSTN 20 but alternatively via the Internet30, with the base station 18 by conventional means. Specifically, thesystem server 24 transmits an initial address message (IAM) to reservean idle trunk circuit with the PSTN 20 and place a call to the basestation 18 (arrow 906). Assuming the PSTN 20 has an idle circuitavailable, it reserves the circuit and transmits an address completemessage (ACM) indicating a circuit has been reserved (arrow 908). ThePSTN then rings the base station 18 (arrow 910), which goes off-hook andanswers the call (arrow 912). This triggers the PSTN 20 to transmit ananswer message (ANM) to the system server 24 indicating that thelandline has been established (arrow 914).

The PSTN having successfully established a call between the systemserver 24 and base station 18, the system server 24 sends aU-HandoverRequired-Ack message acknowledging the base station 18 andindicating that the handover process may continue (arrow 916). If apredetermined time period T_(u1) has not elapsed, the base station 18turns off the T_(u1) timer and signals the subscriber device 12 toproceed with handover (arrow 918). The base station 18 and subscriberdevice 12 then establish an unlicensed mode voice channel between them,in parallel with the licensed mode voice channel currently in operationbetween the subscriber device 12 and the cellular network 14 (arrow920). The subscriber device circuitry used to support this parallelcommunication session is described in connection with FIG. 2.

While this parallel unlicensed mode voice channel must be establishedprior to handover in order to facilitate seamless call transfer, itshould be noted that this step need not be accomplished after thelandline call from the PSTN 20 is made. Instead, the unlicensed modechannel can be opened at any time after the subscriber device 12 entersthe range of the base station 18, and may simply remain unused untillater in the handover process. The step outlined in arrow 920 is shownafter arrow 918 simply for convenience; the invention includes itsplacement at any point after arrow 902 in FIG. 14.

An unlicensed link now exists between the subscriber device 12 and basestation 18. The base station 18 and system server 24 are also incommunication as shown with arrows 904-916. The unlicensed system is nowready to support the call. The licensed system now must transition thecall via the system server 24 to the subscriber device 12 using thenewly-established unlicensed link. The subscriber device 12 initiatesthis process by instructing the licensed system to send the call to thesystem server 24. In keeping with the GSM standard, the subscriberdevice 12 transmits a SACCH message to the base station subsystem 600(arrow 922). This SACCH message includes a previously spare bit, theU-AVAILABLE bit, set to the value “1” (arrow 924). As the U-AVAILABLEbit is otherwise unused according to the GSM standard, setting this bitdoes not disrupt the GSM format.

The subscriber device 12 also transmits information indicating thefrequency at which the base station 18 operates. This frequencyinformation is used to identify the node within the cellular system thatservices the base station 18. As previously indicated, the system server24 emulates a mobile switching center 26, while the base station 18emulates a base station subsystem 600. The system server 24 and the basestation 18 service the unlicensed wireless communication system, whileemulating components of the licensed wireless communication system. Thefrequency information is used to bridge the licensed and unlicensedwireless communication systems. In one embodiment, the frequencyinformation is in the form of an Unlicensed Absolute Radio FrequencyChannel Number (U-ARFCN). The U-ARFCN makes use of a single, previouslyunassigned, Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN).

Preferably, the unlicensed mode system is assigned a globally uniqueU-ARFCN value, for example the value 501, which is not currentlyassigned for use by any GSM system. However, it is not necessary thatthis value be globally unique. For example, the value may beoperator-specific, or assigned on a per-base station subsystem 600basis; however, this embodiment creates U-ARFCN data managementoverhead.

As discussed below, the frequency information (e.g., the U-ARFCN) isprocessed by the base station subsystem 600 to identify an UnlicensedCell Global Identification (U-CGI) value, which corresponds to thesystem server 24. In this way, the frequency information bridges thelicensed and unlicensed wireless communication systems.

The frequency information is sent as part of the SACCH to describeneighbor cells to the base station subsystem 600. As this frequencyinformation is also transmitted according to GSM protocols (here, it istransmitted within the bits that GSM allocates for the SACCH), thisembodiment of the invention continues to operate within the GSM format.

In one embodiment, the frequency information is incorporated into theBroadcast Control Channel (BCCH) allocation list, sometimes alsoreferred to as a BA list. Mobile stations that do not support unlicensedmode operation ignore the U-ARFCN value in the BA list.

The subscriber device 12 may also include a maximum received signalquality measurement associated with the U-ARFCN in the measurementreport messages that it sends to the base station subsystem 600 on theSACCH. The subscriber device 12 can create a measurement report withonly one valid neighbor cell measurement (U-ARFCN) corresponding to theunlicensed system. A base station subsystem 600 with no explicit supportfor unlicensed mode operation will disregard the U-AVAILABLE bit, butwill include the U-ARFCN measurement in its handover algorithmcalculations. This initiates the handover to the unlicensed system,particularly when the signal on the serving GSM cell deteriorates.

The value of the U-AVAILABLE bit triggers the base station subsystem 600to initiate handover to the unlicensed system. The base stationsubsystem 600 sends a HandoverRequired message to the mobile switchingcenter 26 (arrow 926). This message includes an instruction for themobile switching center 26 to transfer the call to the base station 18.The mobile switching center 26 correlates the U-CGI value with thesystem server 24. It then sends the system server 24 the IMSI of thesubscriber device 12, along with a Mobile ApplicationPart-Prepare-HandOver (MAP-Prepare-HO) command instructing the systemserver 24 to prepare and execute a handover to the device designated bythis IMSI (arrow 928).

In another embodiment, the MAP-Prepare-HO message is used for handoverpurposes only, and authentication information such as the IMSI is sentin a separate message. However, including the IMSI allows the systemserver 24 to delay establishing its PSTN call with the base station 18(arrows 906-914) until the MAP-Prepare-HO message is received. This hasthe beneficial effect of keeping the PSTN line free until handover hasbeen triggered in the base station subsystem 600 and mobile switchingcenter 26. The invention thus is not limited to the sequence of signalsshown in FIG. 14. For example, it also includes embodiments in which thePSTN call to the base station 18, arrows 906-914, is performed after thesystem server 24 receives a MAP-Prepare-HO message. This is easilyaccomplished as long as the MAP-Prepare-HO message contains thesubscriber's IMSI, so that the system server 24 knows which mobileswitching center 26 connection (arrows 932-934) to relate to thelandline connection.

The system server 24 transmits a handover reference number identifyingthe particular call to the mobile switching center 26, which is sent aspart of a MAP-Prepare-HO return result message (arrow 930). The mobileswitching center 26 then establishes a call to the handover number(arrow 932). The system server 24 returns an address complete message(e.g., an ISUP ACM message). If the system server 24 can correlate thecall from the mobile switching center 26 with the call to the basestation 18 (i.e., if the IMSI received in the MAP-Prepare-HO invokemessage associated with arrow 928 matches the IMSI received as part ofthe U-HandoverRequired message associated with arrow 904), then thesystem server 24 internally connects the circuit between the mobileswitching center 26 and the base station 18. Otherwise, the systemserver 24 waits until arrow 942 to connect the two channels.

As shown in FIG. 14, if the system server 24 has not already establishedthe handover, a handover command is sent from the mobile switchingcenter 26 to the base station subsystem 600 (arrow 936). The handovercommand is then routed from the base station subsystem 600 over the GSMair interface, per normal GSM handover procedures, to the subscriberdevice 12 (arrow 938).

Recall that, through all this, the subscriber device 12 has maintainedits licensed session with the base station subsystem 600. The cellularcall is thus now routed to the subscriber device 12 simultaneouslythrough both licensed and unlicensed channels. In other words, thesubscriber device 12 receives the same call simultaneously from both thecellular network 14 and the base station 18. The subscriber device 12carries the call from the cellular network 14 over its licensed wirelesscircuitry 118, and the call from the base station 18 over its unlicensedwireless circuitry 114. The subscriber device 12 can then seamlesslyswitch the call by deactivating one set of circuitry, in this case thelicensed wireless circuitry 118.

Once the transition is complete, the base station 18 notifies the systemserver 24 by transmitting a U-HandoverComplete message, including thehandover reference number (arrow 942). This provides verification thatthe handover has been successfully completed.

After completion of the handover, the system server 24 must instruct thecellular network 14 to terminate the licensed session, as it is nolonger needed. The system server 24 sends a ProcessAccessSignal message(arrow 944) and a SendEndSignal message (arrow 946) instructing themobile switching center 26, which are standard signals used by the GSMprotocol to terminate a call. In response, the mobile switching center26 releases the connection to the base station subsystem 600, freeingbase station subsystem resources (arrow 948). The system servercompletes the process by sending a standard ANM signal indicating thatthe call has been successfully switched to the unlicensed system (arrow950).

With the handover from licensed to unlicensed systems having beendescribed, attention now turns to describing an embodiment of thehandover from unlicensed to licensed systems. FIG. 15 illustrates thesequence of signals utilized by one aspect of the invention to supportsuch a handover in the GSM context. Here, the process begins with thesubscriber device 12 involved in a call over an unlicensed system (arrow1000). As the subscriber device 12 roams away from the base station 18,unlicensed signal strength deteriorates. The subscriber device 12periodically measures signal strength and, when it drops below a certainlevel, signals the base station 18 that the call should be handed overto a licensed system (arrow 1002). Alternately, the base station 18 canperiodically measure signal strength and appropriately signal thesubscriber device 12 when the call should be handed over to the licensedsystem. This alternate configuration has the advantage of reducing loadon the subscriber device 12. The device also identifies an appropriatelicensed system by supplying a CGI, which is typically the CGIcorresponding to the same system engaged by the device at the time ofhandover to the unlicensed system.

The base station 18 then instructs the system server 24 to establish acellular link with the correct base station subsystem 600. It thus sendsa U-HandoverRequired message to the system server 24 via their existingIP connection (arrow 1004). This message identifies the specificsubscriber device 12 and base station subsystem 600 by including thedevice's IMSI and the network's CGI, and instructs the system server 24to establish a connection to the base station subsystem 600.

The system server 24 responds to the U-HandoverRequired message bysetting up the appropriate link. As above, this link is established byconventional means. The system server 24 first transmits a Prepare-HOInvoke signal to the mobile switching center 26 identified by the CGI(arrow 1006). This signal instructs the mobile switching center 26 toprepare for handover by establishing a cellular link. The mobileswitching center 26 responds by sending a HandoverRequest message to itsbase station subsystem 600 (arrow 1008). The base station subsystem 600then transmits back a HandoverRequestAck signal acknowledging theHandoverRequest message and containing frequency and channel numberinformation identifying the cellular line to be established (arrow1010). The mobile switching center 26 responds by sending the systemserver 24 a Prepare-HO Return Result message acknowledging the originalPrepare-HO message and containing the handover number (arrow 1012). Thesystem server 24 then establishes a call to the handover number with anLAM message to the mobile switching center 26 (arrow 1014). Once themobile switching center 26 reserves the circuit corresponding to thehandover number, it sends back an ACM message, whereupon the systemserver 24 can connect this circuit to the current unlicensed call inprogress (arrow 1016).

At this point, a live cellular link is available to the system server24; the call must now be transferred from the unlicensed system to thislicensed link. The system server 24 begins this task by sending aU-HandoverRequired-ack signal back to the base station 18 (arrow 1018),which acknowledges the original U-HandoverRequired signal and alsocontains the HandoverCommand message necessary to instruct thesubscriber device 12 to transition the call. The base station 18 thenwirelessly transmits this HandoverCommand to the subscriber device 12(arrow 1020). The subscriber device 12 opens a GSM channel with theappropriate base station subsystem 600, creating a licensed channel tocarry the same conversation in parallel with the current unlicensedchannel (arrow 1022).

The subscriber device 12 is now operating both a licensed channel and anunlicensed channel in parallel, and must transition the call over.Before this happens, the base station subsystem 600 sends aHandoverDetect signal to the mobile switching center 26 (arrow 1024).This in turn triggers the mobile switching center 26 to send aProcessAccessSignal invoke signals to the system server 24 (arrow 1026),where both signals are sent according to standard GSM protocol.

The subscriber device 12 then switches to the licensed channel and sendsthe base station subsystem 600 a HandoverComplete signal (arrow 1028).The transition complete, the landline is no longer necessary and allthat remains is to switch it off. The base station subsystem 600 relaysthe HandoverComplete signal to the mobile switching center 26 (arrow1030), which then sends a SendEndSig message to the system server 24,per normal GSM procedures, telling it to send an end signal message tothe subscriber device 12 (arrow 1032). The mobile switching center 26also completes its call to the system server 24 by sending an ANMmessage (arrow 1034). The system server 24 next sends a standard releasemessage (REL) signal directing the PSTN 20 to release the circuit to thebase station 18 (arrow 1036). Once the PSTN 20 does so (arrow 1038), ittransmits a release complete (RLC) message to the system server 24(arrow 1040). The subscriber device 12 also terminates the last link inthe landline chain by releasing the unlicensed channel to the basestation 18 (arrow 1042).

As above, the preceding has described an embodiment in which the systemserver 24 emulates a GSM mobile switching center, yet alternateembodiments exist in which the system server 24 and base station 18 canalso emulating a GSM base station subsystem. Such alternate embodimentscan utilize the steps of FIG. 15, with modifications to the signalsbetween the mobile switching center 26 and system server 24.

The transition from unlicensed to licensed systems having beendescribed, attention now shifts back to the transition from licensed tounlicensed systems. Note that the latter transition implemented theconcept of utilizing previously-unused portions of the control signal tofacilitate the handover process. Further details of this concept are nowgiven, with emphasis on the GSM context. As above, the invention shouldnot be construed as limited to this context; nevertheless, this furtherexplanation is helpful in more fully illustrating the general concept ofthe invention.

FIG. 16 is a graphical illustration of a portion 1100 of an SACCHmessage that can be used to illustrate one embodiment of the invention.Shown is the format of such a message, as specified by the GSM standardand organized into bytes, or octets of binary data. For example, theNO-NCELL-M grouping 1102 consists of high and low parts, and comprisesthree bits containing the number of neighbor cells measured. In thestandard GSM context, the NO-CELL-M grouping 1102 communicates thenumber of neighboring licensed cellular systems measured, while in thecontext of the invention the grouping denotes the number of neighboringbase stations 18.

The highlighted U-AVAILABLE bit 1104 is unused by the current GSMprotocols. This bit can therefore be used to convey information withinthe GSM protocol. Thus, current GSM cellular networks 14 can beprogrammed to initiate a handover procedure upon receiving a U-AVAILABLEbit 1104 set to a predetermined value (e.g., a digital one). Also, asother portions of the SACCH are used to relay all the informationnecessary for achieving such a handover, the methods of the inventioncan be used to achieve handovers with little or no disruption to theformat of GSM-compliant signals. For instance, as above, the NO-CELL-Mgrouping 1102 can be used to relay the number of neighboring cells, orbase stations 18. In addition, while the BCCH-FREQ-NCELL1 1106 typicallyrelays the frequency of a neighboring cell, it can be used by oneembodiment of the invention to relay the frequency of a neighboring basestation 18. Finally, the RXLEV-NCELL1 grouping 1108 typically relays thesignal strength of a neighboring cell, but can be used by one embodimentof the invention to relay the signal strength of a nearby base station18.

This embodiment of the invention requires that prior art cellularnetworks 14 be programmed to recognize the U-AVAILABLE bit 1104. Anotherembodiment of the invention allows the SACCH to convey handoverinformation without using the U-AVAILABLE bit 1104. Currently, cellularnetworks 14 are programmed to recognize various components of the SACCHsignal as describing the identity and signal strength of neighbor cells.When the signal strength of these cells reaches a certain magnitude, thenetwork is programmed to hand the call over to the neighbor. Byprogramming the various components of the invention to emulate aneighbor cell, current cellular networks can practice the inventionwithout any changes; both cellular networks 14 and the format of theSACCH remain unchanged from their current configurations.

The preceding has described an embodiment in which the system server 24facilitates handovers by emulating a GSM mobile switching center.However, it should be noted that alternate embodiments exist in whichthe system server 24 and base station 18 can also facilitate handoversby emulating a GSM base station subsystem. In the licensed-to-unlicensedhandover context, such alternate embodiments can utilize the steps ofFIG. 14, with modifications to the signals between the mobile switchingcenter 26 and system server 24 (arrows 928-934, 944-946, and 950).Similarly, unlicensed-to-licensed handovers can utilize the steps ofFIG. 15 with various modifications.

One such alternate embodiment is described in reference to FIG. 14. Inthe following discussion, reference to specific arrow numbers indicatesa change to that arrow number in FIG. 14. Here, the mobile switchingcenter 26 transmits a HandoverRequest signal to the system server 24(arrow 928), which is acknowledged by a HandoverRequestAck signal sentback (arrow 930). The handover request having been received andacknowledged, no need exists for the IAM and ACM signals (arrows932-934), which are deleted Once these altered signals are sent,handover proceeds as described previously, with the mobile switchingcenter 26 issuing a handover command (arrow 936) that ultimately promptsthe subscriber device 12 to switch the call to the unlicensed modechannel (arrow 940), and notify the system server 24 that handover iscomplete (arrow 942). The system server 24 then sends a HandoverDetectsignal to the mobile switching center 26 (arrow 944), indicating ahandover has been detected, as well as a HandoverComplete signal (arrow946). An ANM signal (arrow 950) need not be sent in such an embodiment.

Another such alternate embodiment is described in FIG. 17. Here,physical components are described using terms commonly utilized in theGSM context, but which are analogous to the components of FIG. 14.Specifically, the subscriber device 12 is here described as a mobilestation 1200, the base station 18 is termed an access point 1202, thePSTN 20 is represented by an LE switch 1204 and a tandem switch 1206which are two common PSTN components, and the system server 24 isreferred to as an iSwitch 1208. The mobile switching center 26 and basestation subsystem 600 retain their nomenclatures.

The processes of this alternate embodiment are analogous to those ofFIG. 14, with handover from licensed (GSM) to unlicensed servicefacilitated by the setting of values within the measurement report sentfrom the mobile station 1200 to the base station subsystem 600. When amobile station 1200 is engaged in a GSM voice call (arrow 1210) andwanders into an unlicensed coverage area, secure links are establishedbetween the mobile station 1200 and the access point 1202, and betweenthe access point 1202 and iSwitch 1208 (arrow 1212). Once the links areestablished, the mobile station 1200 transmits an IMS-REGISTRATIONmessage to the iSwitch 1208 containing its identification informationand requesting handover (arrow 1214). Once the iSwitch 1208authenticates the mobile station 1200 per previously described methods,it returns an IMS-REGISTRATION-ACK message acknowledging the mobilestation 1200 and containing information for describing the access point1202 as a target cell to another base station subsystem 600 (arrow1216). In the GSM context, this information typically includes a cellidentity (CI) and location area identity (LAI). The iSwitch 1208 alsomarks its subscriber record as handover pending.

The mobile station 1200 receives the IMS-REGISTRATION-ACK message fromthe access point 1202 and begins including in its SACCH transmissionsthe ARFCN value of the access point 1202, along with a received signalquality value set to 63 (i.e., maximum), and the CI and LAI (arrows1218-1220). This triggers the base station subsystem 600 to begin itshandover operations.

The base station subsystem 600 then sends a HANDOVER-REQUIRED message tothe mobile switching center 26, including the CI and LAI it has received(arrow 1222). The correct iSwitch 1208 thus identified, the mobileswitching center 26 transmits a HANDOVER-REQUEST message to the iSwitch1208 that includes the identity of the circuit to be used in thehandover (arrow 1224). The mobile switching center 26 may also includethe identity of the mobile station 1200. The iSwitch 1208 selects anunused handover reference value HO-Ref, and stores it along with thetarget cell information. The iSwitch 1208 then transmits aHANDOVER-REQUEST-ACK message back to the mobile switching center 26containing a command directing the mobile station 1200 to switch to theunlicensed channel (arrow 1226). The mobile switching center 26 passesthis command to the base station subsystem 600 (arrow 1228) for relay tothe mobile station 1200 (arrow 1230).

So instructed, the mobile station 1200 transmits a K2P-HANDOVER-ACCESSmessage to the iSwitch 1208 acknowledging receipt of the handovercommand (arrow 1232). This message also initiates the opening of a PSTNlink between the iSwitch 1208 and access point 1202 (arrows 1234-1238),which is established as in arrows 904-914 of FIG. 14. Once thisunlicensed PSTN link is established, the iSwitch 1208 instructs themobile station 1200 to switch the call to its unlicensed circuitry 114using a K2P-ASSIGN-REQ command (arrow 1240). Upon receiving thiscommand, the mobile station 1200 switches to the unlicensed call andtransmits a K2P-ASSIGNMENT-COMPLETE message back to the iSwitch 1208acknowledging so (arrow 1242). No longer necessary, the licensed call isterminated to free up GSM resources (arrows 1244-1246).

FIG. 18 illustrates steps employed in another alternate embodiment. Thisembodiment utilizes an iSwitch 1208 that emulates a GSM mobile switchingcenter to execute unlicensed-to-licensed handovers. In the followingsteps, similarity can be seen to the steps of FIG. 15. When a mobilestation 1200 is engaged in a licensed-mode call and the access point1202 detects pending loss of a licensed connection due to deteriorationof unlicensed signal strength (step 1300), it sends a K1P-RR-QUERYmessage to the mobile station 1200 indicating that a handover to alicensed system is required (arrow 1302). This message includes theidentity of a nearby GSM cell, if available. The mobile station respondswith a K1P-RR-RESPONSE message (arrow 1304), prompting the access point1202 to send a message to the nearby mobile switching center 26indicating that a handover is required (arrow 1306).

So instructed, the mobile switching center 26 requests a handover fromthe appropriate base station subsystem 600 (arrow 1308), which respondswith a return message acknowledging the request (arrow 1310). Thisreturn message contains a GSM HANDOVER-COMMAND and possesses informationidentifying the GSM resources that the mobile station 1200 is to linkto. This message and information are passed on to the mobile station1200 (arrow 1312), which begins transmitting handover access bursts tothe base station subsystem 600 via its licensed wireless circuitry 118(arrow 1314). Upon detecting these bursts, the base station subsystem600 completes a new licensed wireless link to the mobile station 1200and returns a HANDOVER-DETECT message to the mobile switching center 26(arrow 1316). A licensed channel now open, the mobile station 1200switches the call to its licensed wireless circuitry 118 and transmits aHANDOVER-COMPLETE message to the base station subsystem 600 (arrow1318), which is mirrored to the mobile switching center 26 (arrow 1320).

Having detected a successful handover, the mobile switching center 26sends a CLEAR-COMMAND requesting release of the now-unused PSTNresources (arrow 1322), which prompts the PSTN 20 and access point 1202to release their call to the mobile station 1200 (arrow 1324). Once thecall is released, the PSTN notifies the iSwitch 1208, spurring it tonotify the mobile switching center 26 (arrow 1326). The call between theiSwitch 1208 and mobile switching center 26 is then also released(arrows 1328-1330).

The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specificnomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention.However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that the specificdetails are not required in order to practice the invention. In otherinstances, well known circuits, systems and devices are shown in blockform in order to avoid unnecessary distraction from the underlyinginvention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments ofthe present invention are presented for purposes of illustration anddescription. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit theinvention to the precise forms disclosed: obviously, many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of theinvention be defined by the following Claims and their equivalents.

1-15. (canceled)
 16. A mobile station comprising: a) a first wirelessinterface to access an unlicensed wireless communication network via anunlicensed wireless base station using an unlicensed radio frequency; b)a second wireless interface to access a licensed wireless communicationnetwork using a licensed radio frequency; c) a third interface tocommunicate with an unlicensed wireless network controllercommunicatively coupled to the base station via a broadband network; d)circuits for handling a first set of messages transmitted over thesecond interface, the second set of messages comprising a measurementreport sent to the licensed wireless communication network over thesecond interface, wherein the measurement report includes an AbsoluteRadio Frequency Channel Number (ARFCN) that is associated with theunlicensed wireless communication network and an indication that a cellassociated with the unlicensed wireless communication network has amaximum signal quality; and e) circuits for handling a second set ofmessages transmitted over the third interface to support handover of acommunication session from the licensed wireless communication networkto the unlicensed wireless communication network.
 17. The mobile stationof claim 16, wherein the first set of messages comprises a handovercommand message received at the mobile station from the licensedwireless communication network, the handover command for indicating thata handover of the communication session is required.
 18. The mobilestation of claim 16, wherein the second set of messages comprises ahandover access message sent from the mobile station and received at thenetwork controller.
 19. The mobile station of claim 16, wherein thehandover access message is for causing the network controller toinitiate traffic channel assignment for handover of the communicationsession.
 20. The mobile station of claim 16, wherein the second set ofmessages comprises a handover complete message sent from the mobilestation and received at the network controller.
 21. The mobile stationof claim 16, wherein said maximum signal quality is indicated by settinga value of 63 for a receiving level.
 22. A computer readable mediumstoring a computer program for execution by a mobile station, thecomputer program for performing a handover of a communication sessionfrom a licensed wireless communication network to an unlicensed licensedwireless communication network comprising a network controller, thecomputer program comprising sets of instructions for: a) establishing acommunication session using the licensed wireless network servicing alicensed wireless service area; b) establishing a connection between themobile station and the unlicensed wireless communication network throughthe network controller; c) sending a measurement report from the mobilestation to the licensed wireless communication network, wherein themeasurement report includes an Absolute Radio Frequency Channel Number(ARFCN) that is associated with the unlicensed wireless communicationnetwork and an indication that a cell associated with the unlicensedwireless communication network has a maximum signal quality; and d)receiving a command at the mobile station from the licensed wirelesscommunication network indicating that a handover to the unlicensedwireless network is required.
 23. The computer readable medium of claim22, wherein the computer program further comprises a set of instructionsfor sending a handover access message to the network controller.
 24. Thecomputer readable medium of claim 22, wherein the computer programfurther comprises a set of instructions for sending a handover completeindication to the network controller.
 25. The computer readable mediumof claim 22, wherein said maximum signal quality is indicated by settinga value of 63 for a receiving level.